The Ottawan Newsletter

Hello Ottawa

In Today’s Edition

→ The CPR-built, 1930s log cabin resort in Montebello is up for sale

→ SPAO welcomes everyone to its 20th Anniversary Open House tomorrow, featuring an exhibition reception, book launch, and holiday print sale

→ Deals of the Day on womenswear at Miik and François Beauregard

🎄 Our annual Purdy’s Chocolate Advent Calendar giveaway is here

How to enter: For your chance to win one of TWO gorgeous and delicious milk chocolate calendars, tell us ‘in which Canadian city and in what year did Purdy’s Chocolates first open for business?’ (The answer is on the Purdy's website)
Send your answers to chocodraw@theottawan.com by 11:59 pm on Monday November 24. As with all of our giveaways, entries will be placed in Martha’s Mom’s choosin’ hat and two will be randomly drawn by … Martha’s Mom. Winners will be announced in Wednesday’s newsletter.

Thank you to the lovely folks at Purdy’s for their support of THE OTTAWAN.

Disclaimer: Entrants must be based in Ottawa, the Ottawa Valley, or Outaouais region, because Darren and Martha will be hand delivering them to the winners by December 1 and the OTTAWANMOBILE isn’t built for extended road trips.

Best of Ottawa Awards 2026

Hundreds of nominations, thousands of votes by our readers, and 125 categories of winners and runners-up: here are the people’s picks for the Best of Ottawa 2026.

We think the best way to enjoy our annual survey is to treat it as a checklist: you have the next year to experience restaurants, bars, and shops that you’ve never tried before.

View the Winners and Runners-Up

– Martha and Darren

STATISTICS OTTAWA

NUMBER

$1 million
The amount of money that will be available to ‘tourism generating’ events annually through the proposed Major Festivals Fund.
The City in partnership with Ottawa Tourism would dole out the money raised by increasing the hotel tax by 20 per cent.
The Fund is a proposal contained withing the City’s draft budget and won’t exist until the budget is passed.
Natasha O’Neill at CityNews

OTTAWANS (HONORARY) OF THE DAY

Michael Cera and Pamela Anderson
The actors from Brampton, ON and Ladysmith, BC are spending the next month in the Ottawa area filming Love Is Not The Answer.
Not only is the film written and directed by Cera, it is not a Christmas movie.
Steve Coogan, Fred Hechinger, and Jamie Dornan are also in the film.
Lynn Saxberg in the Ottawa Citizen

QUOTE

“
You don’t want to have an impression in the market that you can walk up five minutes before a game and easily get good seats. You want that perception of scarcity
– Jeff Hunt, a former coöwner of Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, argues that the Ottawa Charge should be happy that their rink is reducing capacity – fewer seats makes it look more popular.
As one of the architects of Lansdowne 1.0, Hunt’s business acumen is, of course, impeccable.
Don Brennan in the Ottawa Citizen
SPORTS
🏒 OHL Ottawa 67s 3 – Kingston Frontenacs 2, yesterday

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WHAT’S GOING ON AT CITY HALL

Finance and Corporate Services Committee
Friday, November 21 at 9:30 am

Acquisition Opportunity – Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre (Carlsbad Landfill)

Agenda

Ottawa Police Service Board Finance and Audit Committee
Friday, November 21 at 10:00 am

Draft Operating and Capital Budgets 2026: Delegations

Agenda

WHAT OTTAWA IS TALKING ABOUT

🏒 The Fairmont Le Château Montebello log hotel is up for sale. The luxury resort, built in a log cabin style by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1930, has been put up for sale by the receivers after its Chinese owners declared bankruptcy. The Fairmont hotel chain, which owns the Château Laurier, says that business will continue as usual (Fairmont runs Le Château Montebello but does not own it). – James Morgan in The Review

🪁 For the second year in a row, the City will probably lose out on Provincial housing money. The Province gave Ottawa a target of 12,500 new housing starts; but City Council only approved 7,900. Last year, the City managed only 7,800 start. So far, the City has lost out on $30 million from the Province. The Building Faster Fund ends next year. – Arthur White-Crummey at CBC

🗑️ The CBC has quite the tale on how it came to be that the City is looking to buy a private landfill in Carlsbad. The Taggart and Miller families, owners of the landfill, used lobbyists Syntax Strategic to contact Mayor Mark Sutcliffe’s chief of staff about the possibility of selling the land to the City.

Mathieu Gravel, the chief of staff, set up a meeting with a member of the Taggart family and Alain Gonthier, the City’s general manager of public works.

Jennifer Stewart, one of Sutcliffe’s honorary campaign co-chairs in the 2022 election, is the chief executive officer of Syntax Strategic. The Mayor’s office says all rules were followed. – Kate Porter at CBC

THE DAILY POLL

What do you think of Christmas decorations going up now?

🔘 It’s too soon. Decorations and music and advertisements should wait until December

🔘 I love it, it’s nothing but pure joy for the next month. Don’t be a humbug.

🔘 It’s too much, and what about people of other religions, or atheists?

🔘 The 12 Days of Christmas are December 25 to January 5. That's the only appropriate time for mummering, wassailing, and merriment.

Previously in ottawan polls:
We asked, ‘How often do you ride the O Train?’
- 6% It’s my commute to work/school
- 32% Every once in a while
- 13% Only to try it and see what the fuss is about
- 49% I’ve never had a reason to ride it
Commentary

▪️ “I’ll take it when I have an excuse to; when the new sections are opened up, I’ll certainly use it far more.”

▪️ “I remember a time when if the bus was late, people would let the driver know. Now, if the bus is late (or cancelled), nobody says anything. We’re happy if it shows up. The expectations are so low.”

▪️ “I am so frustrated how we fumbled public transit yet again in Autowa. I am begging the city to invest in excellent public transportation as the collective good and economic driver it really is.”

▪️ “I used to be able to take one bus to get to the Rideau Centre, now it’s two busses and the O Train. So I just don’t go anymore. Useless transit system.”

▪️ “I found it useful to go downtown on Canada Day.”

▪️ “Is the LRT the only metro/subway not to have any advertising to enliven the interior of the cars? When added to the grey interior, it makes for a boring trip.”

▪️ “Before I retired I walked to work. On extremely cold days, I sometimes took the bus. But that route’s stop a block from home was eliminated in the ‘new way to bus’ cuts.”

▪️ “I live close to Lyon and whenever I can, I ride it. It’s come a long way and with a little more engineering finesse, we could have a great system going. That and money. We cheaped out on it!”

▪️ “Once Line 2 is open, I’ll probably use it more, but to be honest, I never know if trains are running on any give day or not.”

▪️ “And only if it’s actually running that day!”

▪️ “I rode it once when it first opened with my kids just to try it lol!”

▪️ “It goes so slow that it’s easier to bike most places.”

▪️ “We ride it every time there’s an event where it’s free. Bluesfest, 67s games, Atlético games, etc. While it takes extra time, not having to drive around to find and then pay for parking is totally worth it!”

▪️ “Based on how often it breaks down (sigh) I’m not likely to ever experience it.”

▪️ “I have been an advocate for public transport all my adult life, but this ain’t it.”

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THE ROLLING THREE DAY CALENDAR

Is there an event we should know about?
Please use our easy event submission form

✳️ Means change from previous edition

THURSDAY

✳️ Linden Theatre Company presents Hay Fever by Noel Coward, playing until November 30 at Elmwood School. (Rockcliffe)
Tonight’s European Union Film Festival lineup includes features from Romania and Slovakia (downtown).
This one’s for the percussionists: Dave’s Drum Shop welcomes Karl Perazzo (Santa, Mariah Carey, Phish) for a drum clinic in-store this evening. $20
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater to the Jingle & Mingle event at Jac’s Boutique in Kemptville and enjoy draws, discounts, and treats all day.
Elizabeth Young of Flowers Talk Tivoli will be running a festive hands-on wreath workshop at FieldHouse Event Space (303 Richmond Road). You'll sip on Canadian bubbles and wines as you style your wreath.
Explore racks of new clothing by Reitman’s and Northern Reflections as well as gently used pieces donated by the community at the Unitarian House quarterly Clothing Sale.
An Evening of Sin and Miss Patience Plush bring The Gay Agenda, a night of burlesque, drag, raffles, and pride, to a regular old Thursday night.
Visit the Silver Spring Studio Christmas Market from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm today for handmade gifts that support the studio's creative arts program for people with developmental disabilities.

Cinema

ByTowne Cinema: Nouvelle Vague, Ciné-Cub d'Ottawa - Quand vient l'automne, Restoration: Angel’s Egg
Mayfair Theatre: Left-Handed Girl, The Long Walk

Gigs

Sunday Club, Whisper Gang, Look Upon the Heart, Twin Turbo. House of TARG
Noise Hotel. Art House
The Free Label, Shebad. The 27 Club

FRIDAY

Alanna J. Brown performs at The Christmas Night Market & Tree Lighting Ceremony at Aberdeen Pavilion.
TwelvebyTwelve is a large scale group exhibition at Wall Space Gallery featuring square foot artworks plus jewelry, by established and emerging artists. View both, and enjoy drinks, snacks and more at the opening event this evening. A portion of tickets and artwork sales will support Interval House of Ottawa.
Road Trip: Do some in-person shopping in Arnprior at the John St. Christmas Open House. Audrey's Fashions, A Dash of Fab, and The Artful Boutique will be joining together to offer deals and seasonal good times. Continues Saturday.
Get the festive feels at the tree lighting and Night Market at 260 Centrum Blvd in Orléans.
Be in the ByWard Market for the lighting of the 48 ft Christmas tree. The action gets underway at 5:30 pm.
The Fabrications Holiday Party and Sample Sale is an opportunity to get supplies for your projects, celebrate the season, and help Cornerstone Housing for Women, which will receive donations through the event.
The Poetry Slam at GCTC featuring Nathanael Larochette, is PWYC.
🆓 The SPAO 20th Anniversary Open House is also an exhibition reception, book launch, and holiday print sale, with music by DJ Ohjay. 77 Pamilla St from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Watch features from Netherlands and France at the European Union Film Festival.
For some, it’s never too early to get a Christmas tree. Those people should go to Thomas Tree Farm from 9:00 am. The farm says the trees are ‘LARGE and BEAUTIFUL this year!’

Cinema

ByTowne Cinema: Sentimental Value, Lovely Day (Mille secrets mille dangers)
Mayfair Theatre: Jay Kelly, It Was Just An Accident, One Battle After Another

Gigs

Little Bones. Overflow Brewing
Simply Skynyrd. Brass Monkey
Blue Rodeo. National Arts Centre
Vinta. Red Bird
Sarah Jayne Riley. Avant-Garde Bar

SATURDAY

Santa will be parading down Hazeldean, from Holy Redeemer Parish Kanata on Rothesay) to Hazeldean Mall, starting at 10:00 am. (Kanata)
Why should cats get all the attention: The Ottawa Dog Film Fest is a fundraiser to enable the Astha Loving Kindness And Compassion Foundation in Varanasi, India to build a new shelter and sterilization clinic. Screenings take place at the Mayfair Theatre. Continues Sunday (Bank and Sunnyside)
Design your own showstopping Woodland Wonder Holiday Planter with the experts at Peter Knippel Garden Centre (Gloucester)
Experience colour through the brain of artist Jesus Rivera, at the new show Colour Divergent. Urban Art Collective (1088 Somerset St W) from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. (Westboro)
Meet in the All Saints Anglican Church courtyard for a lighting ceremony, singalong, hot drinks, and to hear from charity reps (Westboro)
Koyman Galleries’ Holiday Exhibition of Smalls is a show of small-scale works that would make perfect Christmas gifts. The show will run until January 5.(St Laurent Blvd)
Drop in or register for Hintonburg Pottery’s Holiday Open House & Fundraiser for Parkdale Food Centre (Hintonburg)
Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association is accepting donations for children in need at the Help Santa Toy Parade. (Queen Elizabeth Driveway at Somerset St. W)
Capital Art Fair Gallery turns one year old this month, and obvs there's going to be a party. It's free but you must book a ticket (Sparks St)
🌟 Road Trip: A tree lighting, a night market, live performances, wagon rides, and even the Grinch await you at Carleton Place Winterfest
Ottawa Bach Choir launches its 24th season with a performance of Handel’s Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day (Hintonburg)

Markets and Craft Fairs

Shop the Ottawa Farmers’ Market Christmas Market, every Saturday and Sunday from today until December 21. (Lansdowne)
St John the Evangelist Anglican Church’s Christmas Market is European style, with 30 vendors, a bakery and Christmas Café. (Centretown)
Find something one-of-a-kind at the Henry Larsen Elementary School Holiday Market (Orléans)
Shop for your Goth and witch friends at Ottawa Mystic Market (continues tomorrow) (Centretown West)
🆓 National Capital Artisans present the Comfort and Joy Craft Show today and tomorrow at St. Mark Catholic High School in Manotick (1040 Dozois Road).
The shopping has an old-world charm at Watson’s Mill & Dickinson House Christmas Market (open this weekend and next). You'll find 35 vendors as well as a used book store on site (Manotick)
MOVE 100 provides the vibe at the Barrhaven Winter Craft Market (Barrhaven)
The Log Farm Christmas Market is free to enter, with lots of free parking (Cedarview Ave).
The Stittsville Indoor FUNdraiser Christmas Market has vendors, door prize draws, live music, and apparently, Elf. (Stittsville)
There are more than 100 booths to visit at St.Pat’s Artisan and Craft Show (Alta Vista)
Road Trip: Take a Hallmark-movie-worthy country drive to Vernon for the Christmas Craft Sale. (Vernon)

Cinema

ByTowne Cinema: Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, Sentimental Value, Restoration: Jacob’s Ladder
Mayfair Theatre: Pariah Dog, A Dog’s Purpose, Jay Kelly, The Room

Gigs

Chicken Fried X-Mas with special guest percussionist Dale Harrison. Moose McGuire's Orléans
Navan Boot Scootin' Dance Nights. Lone Star Texas Grill (1211 Lemieux St, Cyrville)
Nick Maclean's SNAGGLE feat the Ali Bros (from Ottawa). Night Oat
Econoline Crush with Sunday Riot Club, Double Experience & Luscious. The Brass Monkey
Dance Mix 2000s. House of TARG
Country Night. The Prescott
DAX (The Lonely Dirt Road Tour). Bronson Centre